Decision on 2 pits JJ or Gator

[kenner18v]

I'm looking at 2 pits, the Gator 16x32 budget pit smoker for $700 and the JJ 16x30 smoker for 675. This will be my first smoker and will be used just for backyard family use!!! But I want something that looks good and works. Both pits look well built and looks good.

So far I think I will get more pit with the JJ it has more working space and warming rack also. I'm looking for suggestions on which holds temp better and just all around cooking quality. I don't want to spend over 900-1000 max. I really don't know if the 2 extra inches of cooking space on the gator is worth losing the extra prep area on the jj.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Sonnier

[TMSFan]

JJ
No question about it. Awesome pits.

[3 star redneck]

I have known Ritch (gator pit) for over 10 yrs, and pull a custom mobile rig he made, thiers no decision... when it comes to cratsmanship and customer service...Gator pit is the only way to go!!

[DATsBBQ]

Don't know either of the makers, so all things being equal I'd go with the pit with a bigger cooking area. Prep area can be added (table, stand etc) but you're stuck with the cooking area.

[OSD]

With your budget, I would be lookin' at a 20" X 32" budget Gator for $850. You can always add prep area to something later or just set up a small table close by, but the added depth and area of the cooking chamber would be nice, especially when doing ribs or briskets.

[pitsbyjj]

pits by jj ,will come with pull meat rack , folding table,thermometer and a lot more details. but is customer choice to get the right pit.

[txngent]

Purchasing a pit is a big decision. Just watch pricing yourself down to a pit you are not going to be happy with once you spent your money. Being that you are buying steel, I suggest looking for the best core pit you can find. All the little add-ons can kill your budget and kill your core pit. I say core, because with steel you can add and modify as you go. I do not know JJ pits so I am not going to say "Go Gator" because I think JJ is bad. I'm not going to add names to the fire because I think you mentioned two names, not others. I am going to say, I know many Gator pits and have seen some of Ritch's work many years old. His pits are like that cast iron skillet you always go to when you want to make cornbread.... solid, seasoned, and the most even cooking you will come across.

[honu41]

As DATS and OSD say; go with the cooking area. Prep area can always be added with a folding 24" x 48" folding table, or larger down the road. I find that a work space off to the side is better as in roomier and safer away from the heat. Just my 2 cents. Good luck...

joe

[Zilla]

I'd go with a Gator, but I own two and Ritch is a friend so I guess I'm biased. I'm more concerned that you want a 16" pit. Totally useless IMO as is an 18". Ritch sells a great backyard 20" x 40" budget pit for about $1000.00. I'd advise you to save a bit longer and get one of those.

[Eric]

The good news is they are both great pits. You can't go wrong